Via Matthew Alderman at Holy Whapping (self-plug for Matt, but we approve), Loome Theological Booksellers, one of the most rockin’ places to get your God read on, will be featuring sacred gifts, to include Mr. Alderman’s lovely illustrations.
If you’re in the Twin City area of the US, go to Loome’s for a launch party this Sunday, from 2 to 4 PM at their store 320 North Fourth Street, Stillwater, Minnesota. Support Loome’s–Chesterton would be proud:
In an age dominated by big-box retail in books as well as everything else, it is refreshing to see that such a dominating institution as Loome’s is still in many respects a local, mom-and-pop sort of place, and that the man behind the cash register believes in the truths that are stacked up high on his shelves.
I received this via the SAF’s email newsletter:
Greetings!
The Foundation has reached a critical financial moment. We still need an additional $20,000 to cover operational costs through the balance of this year. Without it, the Foundation will be forced to cease activity and close its doors by mid-September. Yet, if each person on this mailing list offers a contribution of just $50, this financial need will be more than satisfied. The Foundation depends entirely on the generosity of its friends for the support of its programs. We urge you to consider helping us continue our vital mission to evangelize the world through art.
“In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art.” – Pope John Paul II
Contact Us!
1413 K Street NW
Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20005
202-898-1288
info@thesacredarts.org
My friend, Matthew Milliner, wrote some time earlier this year a succinct summary of everything I believe about contemporary art, namely that contemporary art is corrupt, is based on poorly formed principles (if any) sans the transcendant, and needs very much the simple, faithful return to classical foundations in a truly creative way that is based in, above all things, the sacred Liturgy, whether directly in the liturgical arts or flowing from the altar itself by grace. His very direct and lovely way of communicating this comes down to two bird analogies: the swallows of Capistrano (as taken from Jody Bottum’s article in First Things) and the sparrows whose littleness trumps the eagles of the art world (as taught by John Walford of Wheaton College).
Do read the article. It’s not a sound bite, hyper-summarized, bite size chunk of cultural niceties and theoretic sentamentalism, so don’t expect something that the average Facebook user would read and dig. It’s probably not something your average artsy fartsy person would dig either. Average, I said. It’s edgy, and a little (wee) bit long, but it’s worth the perseverance. So read it. It might offend you, and that’s okay I say. Truth offends. If we had more people willing to offend the Church we’d be in a much different place in respect to many things today.
Favorite quotes:
“A nearly universal response to contemporary art today–one that impressively transverses race, creed age, or class–is ‘What?’”“The decades to follow gave us conceptual art, landscape art, performance art, outsider’s art, found art, and (most revealingly perhaps) auto-destructive art.”
“The cult of celebrity–with its exorbitant votive prices–drives the art world today, leaving envy and resentment in its wake: a convocation of belligerent eagles.”
“We are waiting not for a Godot, but for another–doubtless very different–St. Benedict.” And lo, our Benedict has come.” [Props to Matt for the B16 reference--check his flickr account for his pics from the April Pope visit]
Come see two fabulous lectures in Madison this month!
This one’s at Edgewood College:
If you haven’t seen Demographic Winter, I would recommend it highly. Dr. Wilcox makes a brief appearance.
If you haven’t heard of Gabriel Olearnik yet, you will. He’s a Polish poet masquerading as a lawyer (em, sorry, solicitor) in London, and has written, in my opinion, some really tremendous poetry. You can find his work online at Dappled Things. If you’re on the other side of the pond than I, you might be interested in this job:
In addition, networking will be required with VIP contacts in the cultural world, including museum and gallery representatives, owners of various media enterprises and possible patrons.
Hourly rate of £12, this is negotiable depending on experience and a proven track record.
The successful candidate will be educated to degree level, be currently pursuing an MA or PhD at a London university in humanities, possess perfect English writing skills, have an understanding of cultural sensitivities and be responsible and efficient.
Proficiency in other languages, especially Polish, an advantage.
To apply, please send a CV with covering email to g_olearnik@hotmail.com
Hours: Part-Time
This job pays at an hourly rate
From the Community of St. John in Peoria: an invitation to their Eagle Eye Sapientia Saturday, a high school day of catechesis and fun. Email eaglecentral@yahoo.com for more information.
Sapientia Saturday is quickly approaching again ! It’s on February 2nd. All those ages 16-19 are invited. The theme is, “Art and Life: Imagination or Intelligence?” We would need to have all RSVP’s in by January 30th. Please let us know if you have a teen that needs any special accommodations. Be sure to have forms notorized. If your teen has been to an EE event from September 2007 through the present, then we can reuse your Emergency medical form ONLY. All other medical info forms and registration forms must still be filled out. Thanks!
*Remind teens to bring a Bible, wear a warm coat, and possibly boots. No need for cell phones and other gadgets.
The cost is $10 to cover expenses. Please see the attached forms below and the flyer. Invite thier friends! This is a perfert time for them to catch up with old EE buddies or an easy one day event to introduce new friends to our EE family. RSVP soon!!!
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